VA Honesty Project

The goal of VA Honesty Project is simple: to highlight the Department of Veterans Affairs’ lack of transparency with the press and the public about its operations and activities.

Because the Department of Veterans Affairs is a taxpayer funded organization, it has a responsibility to fully explain itself to the press and the public. Unfortunately, in many cases VA is failing in this responsibility, as department officials – including 54 full-time public affairs employees – routinely ignore media inquiries.

VA Honesty Project documents many recent instances in which VA has failed to respond to reporters’ requests for information or refused to answer specific questions. The department’s apparent disregard for the press has become an object of reporters’ scorn, leading some to openly accuse VA of “thumbing their nose at us” and others to write entire articles focusing on VA’s stonewalling tactics. VA Honesty Project will be continually updated with new examples of VA refusing to respond to the press as they arise.

Is VA being appropriately transparent with the press and the public? Consider the following examples and let us know what you think on Facebook.

Aerock and Renatta Parinas of Chesapeake say they've been struggling to get health information from the VA hospital...So, after more hours on the phone, they still have to wait to get answers.(Laura Geller, "13News Now Investigates: Waiting in Vain, ABC 13 News, 2/29/16)

Asked whether workers were disciplined in the Minnesota cases, officials from Minnesota VA facilities referred all questions to a VA spokesman in Washington and provided a fact sheet on the VA’s response to protect the privacy of its patients. The VA spokesman in Washington did not respond to a request for information. (Mark Brunswick, “Privacy Violations on the rise at Minnesota’s VA Facilities,” Star Tribute, 1/12/2016).

The Puerto Rico VA, after routinely turning away vets for individual jobs as they opened up, made a show of upping its stats by hiring 50 vets in one day — all of them at the GS-4 level, near the bottom of the federal employment scale that ranges up to GS-15... Once they accepted the low-level jobs, the newly hired veterans were prevented by federal personnel rules from applying for higher positions for a time. The Puerto Rico VA did not respond to TheDCNF’s request for comment. (Luke Rosiak, “Actual Veterans Are A Scarce Sight In Top Veterans Affairs Hospital Jobs,” Daily Caller, 1/5/16).

Spokesman Randall Noller… declined to describe when VA policies allow employees to use physical force on elderly veterans. The statement also did not address why the internal VA investigation reached a dramatically different conclusion from those reached by the coroner, the IG and local prosecutors.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is staying silent following a media report that its former top watchdog resigned for masturbating in front of others… "Because current OIG leadership only recently became aware of the matter, we cannot comment further on the allegations or the investigation," Gromek said on Monday in an email to Military Times. (Oriana Pawlyk, “Report: VA IG ousted over indecent acts,” Military Times, 12/7/15)

The VA has not yet responded to requests from the Chronicle to speak to McDonald and Rubens or to provide additional details. (St. John Barned-Smith, “VA bungles demotions of two senior executives,” Houston Chronicle, 12/4/15)

The VA did not respond to questions about Graves’ new salary Friday, nor did they say where she is heading from Minnesota. Her new position will likely come with a salary of at least $100,000 a year. It was not immediately clear whether she will receive additional relocation money. (Allison Sherry, “St. Paul VA executive demoted, transferred to another state,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/21/15)

The VA declined comment on the judge's ruling and Miller's remarks. Instead, a spokeswoman emailed excerpts from a recent article written by VA Secretary Robert McDonald after USA Today reported that bonuses totaling $142 million were awarded last year to VA employees, including some mired in scandals. (Dennis Wagner, “Ruling: Fired Phoenix VA boss gets to keep her bonus,” Arizona Republic, 11/19/15)

KOCO 5 reached out to the VA for comment and to check on Chapman’s employment status. Spokeswoman Stacy Rine released this statement: “Unfortunately, the VA is unable to comment or provide any details for this issue as it is a personnel issue that is being handled internally.” KOCO 5 tried tracking down Chapman to her Midwest City address. The location revealed a mobile home and RV park. There was no trailer or home on the slab. (Dave Detling, “Police: VA employee threatened to kill husband with axe,” ABC Oklahoma, 10/16/15)

The VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday on the criticism on the House floor over spending on art and conferences. (Travis J. Tritten, “VA art budget comes under fire in Congress,” Stars and Stripes, 10/1/15)

Fox13 asked the VA for comment but was given a statement by email that contradicts the video. Fox13 asked to interview the Memphis VA Director to show her the video. The request was denied. (Darrell Greene, “Memphis VA Hospital: Allegations of Neglect,” Fox Memphis, 9/8/15)

In the wake of disclosures that unqualified doctors performed hundreds of brain injury exams at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Department of Veterans Affairs is now refusing to release the names of doctors who performed initial traumatic brain injury (TBI) exams at other VA facilities across the country…

To help determine whether the problem was widespread, KARE 11 and other TEGNA-owned television stations across the county filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests asking for the names of doctors who had performed initial TBI exams and their specialties.

Although the VA originally released information about Dr. Smith and Dr. Gabriel, the Department of Veterans Affairs is now claiming that the names of doctors who performed TBI exams is confidential.

In a series of FOIA denial letters, the agency wrote the names are private information that won't "contribute significantly to the public's understanding of the activities of the federal government."

The Department denied our request in spite of the fact you can find the name and certification of every VA doctor, at every VA hospital, anywhere in America on its own website…

KARE 11 and our parent company TEGNA are appealing the VA's FOIA denial, arguing that releasing the names of the doctors who have performed initial TBI exams will allow thousands of veterans and the public to determine how often exams by unqualified doctors may have denied Veterans benefits and access to medical care. (A.J. Lagoe, “VA fighting release of names tied to brain injury exams,” NBC Minneapolis, 9/8/15)

Jean Schaefer, a Phoenix VA spokeswoman, said [the hospital’s interim director] Grippen could not comment on Butler’s declaration because of Coleman’s pending complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, a federal agency that investigates retaliation against whistleblowers. [VA regional counsel] Cutts did not respond to an interview request. (Dennis Wagner, “VA retaliation alleged in sworn statement,” The Arizona Republic, 8/6/15)

We reached out to the people currently in charge, including Patrick Kelly, Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Kim Graves, Director of the Veterans Benefits Administration's St. Paul Regional Office; Dr. Gary Wilhelm, Interim Director of Compensation and Pension at the Minneapolis VA. All declined to be interviewed. (Steve Eckert and A.J. Lagoe, “Unqualified doctors performed brain injury exams at Mpls VA Medical Center,” NBC Minneapolis, 8/5/15)

Asked to confirm the moves, Coty has said only that "allegations of misconduct" have been leveled against workers who "may be detailed" to other work areas" and will remain so "until the investigation is complete and appropriate actions are taken in response to the allegations."…

In the midst of this turmoil, the hospital, its workers, veterans and their families, and the state's congressional delegation continue to wait for the release of the VA Inspector General report on wait time issues…

The Wilmington director, Robin Aube-Warren, told The News Journal in February that she'd been briefed on the results of the inquiry but did not know when it would be released. (William H. McMichael, “VA cop is acting Wilmington admin health chief,” Delaware News Journal, 7/2/15)

“Flanz refused to elaborate when the Diary tried to question her after the hearing, while she was being shielded by a VA aide. Likewise, VA public affairs did not respond to repeated requests for information submitted by e-mail and phone.” (Joe Davidson, “House members angry over VA’s response to whistleblowers,” Washington Post, 4/14/15)

"The department's Washington headquarters refused to say who was on the board, what qualifications they had, or how they were chosen. 'VA does not publicly comment on the composition by name of Administrative Investigation Board membership. The AIB process is an internal process that gathers protected investigative information for departmental leadership,' said a spokeswoman who declined to be named." (Luke Rosiak, “Vet Affairs exec who misled Ayotte appointed to Tomah scandal review panel,” Washington Examiner, 4/8/15)

"The Central Arkansas VA would not release the estimated cost to construct the panels and then later deconstruct them, calling it 'procurement sensitive information', because the parking garage contract is ongoing. The VA did not provide information on what stage the solar panel project was in when the parking garage was approved or if they could have halted the construction of that section of solar panels if there were plans to tear them down." (CJ Ciaramella, “Little Rock VA Hospital Tears Down Never-Used Solar Panels,” Washington Free Beacon, 4/7/15)

“We reached out to the VA Office of Inspector General to try to understand why so many of the reports have remained secret… So far, the VA IG has not granted any requests for an interview.” (Jacqueline Policastro, “VA in Scandal: Lawmakers Slam VA Inspector General,” NBC South Bend, 4/2/15)

“Veterans Affairs headquarters officials did not respond to the Examiner when asked if Hamlin obtained painkillers from the hospital he directed, whether his many absences resulted in management problems, or how he was able to maintain a senior executive position despite being away from the job so frequently. Asked how many vacation days a year he was allotted and how many sick and vacation days he used, the Puerto Rico hospital sent a one-sentence statement from Mary Kay Hollingsworth, a spokesperson for Veterans Affairs' Sunshine Healthcare Network, of which the Caribbean system is a part, saying the network ‘reviewed this matter in 2014 and found that Mr. Hamlin's attendance was in conformance with applicable rules and regulations.’” (Luke Rosiak, “Veterans Affairs hospital chief draws $179k salary despite missing 80 days a year,” Washington Examiner, 3/30/15)

“A spokeswoman for the VA's Inspector General's Office could not be reached for comment late Tuesday. A representative of the Philadelphia office declined to discuss the recommendations.” (Jessica Parks and Jason Laughlin, “Investigators: Phila. VA needs change, accountability,” Inquirer, 3/25/15)

“Caribbean Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Dominique Rojas would not say how a convicted sex offender working in human resources was in conformance with federal employment rules. She also wouldn't say whether Santos has faced any repercussion for the cocaine arrest, or whether patients were currently being treated by a doctor who may have a drug problem.” (Luke Rosiak, “Convicted sex offender in charge of hiring, disciplining VA workers,” Washington Examiner, 3/16/15)

“Ms. Gromek did not respond to questions about whether Mr. Frye discussed the investigation with the author of the report before it was issued, or whether his complaints had prompted other investigations. Two calls to Mr. Frye’s office were not returned, and an associate of Ms. Cooper’s said she was out of the office and unavailable. A Veterans Affairs spokeswoman did not respond to messages.” (Richard A. Oppel Jr., “Treasury Department Faults Veterans Affairs in Feud Over Employee,” New York Times, 3/15/15)

”It is unclear how many calls go unanswered. Scripps requested detailed call records from the VA, but the agency has not provided them.” (Amanda Kost and Isaac Wolf, “Vets describe crisis line runaround,” San Angelo Standard-Times, 2/21/2015)

“CIR tried to obtain a copy of DeSanctis’ 2013 review, first asking the hospital’s public affairs staff, and then filing a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act. Although DeSanctis told CIR that he has no problem with its release, the VA’s Central Office has not yet done so. James Hutton, a spokesman for the VA in Washington, declined to comment.” (Aaron Glantz, "“VA gave $8,025 bonus to director of troubled Wisconsin hospital,” The Center for Investigative Reporting, 2/12/2015)

"Roff has repeatedly denied interview requests from 9WTK, which had aired several reports about delays in care. A VA hospital spokesman initially denied the existence of secret patient waiting lists. Later, Roff confirmed that an unauthorized patient list did exist in the hospital's sleep lab in 2011 and 2012, but she says calling it 'secret' is a mischaracterization." (Melissa Blasius, "VA director's whistleblower threat outrages congressman," NBC Denver, 2/11/2015)

“…Jack Lamb, of Fruitland reached out to On Your Side’s Chris Oswalt after several of his bills went unpaid. Oswalt spent six-months trying to get answers. His calls and e-mails to the V.A. went unanswered.” (Christopher Oswalt, “V.A. pays veteran's bills after On Your Side story,” ABC Boise, 2/9/2015)

"Denver VA officials have repeatedly denied requests for an on-camera interview about the sleep clinic wait list. Recent emails to 9Wants To Know from hospital spokesman Dan Warvi have included the subject lines: 'Your conduct is severely endangering our relationship,' and 'We are declining this and all future interview requests by you.' Warvi has also chastised 9Wants To Know for calling and writing to VA sleep-clinic employees seeking comment." (Melissa Blasius, "VA admits to 'unauthorized' waiting list at Denver hospital," NBC Denver, 1/30/2015)

"In the email, Jackson did not elaborate on those challenges faced by Shogren, whose name he misspelled. Nor did he respond to an email and phone calls seeking comment. Officials at the Young center declined comment, deferring to Jackson. Officials from the VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment." (Howard Altman, "Email praising VA police chief at Young center draws criticism," Tampa Tribune, 1/30/2015)

"At a town hall meeting held in St. Paul, Murphy gave out her phone number to the crowd and said she speaks with anyone who calls her. But when KARE 11 called looking to speak with Murphy about her bonuses and the investigation into the Minneapolis VA, we were told she was unavailable. A public relations spokeswoman called back and told us that Murphy would not speak with us and if we wanted to discuss bonuses we'd need to contact the VA's headquarters in Washington D.C." (A.J. Lagoe and Steve Eckert, "VA bonuses may be tied to phony records," KARE, 10/6/2014)

"Neither the local VA spokesman nor the VA's Office of Public Affairs in Washington immediately responded to written questions Tuesday about the status of the inspector general's investigation." ("VA to investigate whether data was falsified," AP, 9/23/2014)

"CAVHCS public affairs staff did not respond to an email and several phone calls that were made Thursday seeking information about Garrette and his employment." (Kala Kachmar, "Tuskegee VA employee charged with DUI, still employed," Montgomery Advertiser, 9/21/2014)

"VA officials have declined to discuss proceedings involving Helman, who is believed to be challenging the actions against her." (Dennis Wagner and Dan Nowicki, "Permanent new boss requested for Phoenix VA," Arizona Republic, 9/12/2014).

"The Advertiser has made numerous written and phone requests since the leadership change Aug. 21 to speak to Sepich and Robin Jackson, the acting director of CAVHCS, but those requests have so far been denied. The Advertiser has also requested information about employees who have been charged with crimes or found guilty of ethical violations for incidents that have occurred on the job, but staff members have responded with form paragraphs, did not answer questions or did not provide the information." (Kala Kachmar, "Roby to VA: national leaders need to oversee Montgomery," Montgomery Adveriser, 9/3/2014)

"VA Southeast Network and CAVHCS leaders have declined to provide the Montgomery Advertiser with the employment statuses or disciplinary actions taken against the employees VA police investigations found to be guilty of crimes, ethical violations or both." (Kala Kachmar, "What does it take to get fired by the VA?," Montgomery Adveriser, 8/30/2014)

"The Times has repeatedly asked the VA why the fact sheet failed to include the correct years. No response has been provided, though the agency insists it did not try to mislead anyone" (William R. Levesque, "VA numbers on treatment delays were misleading," Tampa Bay Times, 8/1/2014)

"We have been asking for an interview with Eric Shinseki for months, and months, and months...it is radio silence from VA Department of Public Affairs - which I believe has fifty-four public affairs officers in it's headquarters and zip from Eric Shinseki."

“Each time we've asked the VA for an interview on this, since we broke the story on the data breach earlier this year, we've been emailed a similar response. Most recently being told, "The VA has in place a strong, multi-layered defense to combat evolving cybersecurity threats. The VA is committed to protecting veteran information." None of the VA's responses have directly addressed that breach of privacy for thousands of vets.” (Jon Camp, “I-Team: Congress members concerned about lack of response from VA over data breach,” ABC Raleigh, 3/7/2014)

“VA spokeswoman Laura Schafsnitz said she submitted Jan. 29 questions from The Courier-Journal to higher-ranking officials, but after more than three weeks, no answers were provided.” “The Courier-Journal asked VA officials and Galloway whether he was paid separately for each appraisal. Neither would comment. Nor would VA officials comment on whether they had made an offer to landowner Jonathan Blue of Blue Equity LLC, based on the earlier appraisal.” (Tom O’Neill, “VA Hospital land appraisals questioned,” The Courier-Journal, 3/4/14)

"Asked about VA’s reported admission at the briefing that some veterans had killed themselves, the agency declined to comment on the record. Instead, its press office provided IBTimes with the results of an unrelated OPH study in which there were no proven suicides." (Jamie Reno, “Department Of Veterans Affairs And Congress Clash Over Suicide Charges,” International Business Times, 2/27/14)

“The Pittsburgh VA, whichrefused commentfor this story, had previously conceded that five other veterans had probably or definitely contracted Legionnaires' disease during stays in VA buildings before they died in 2011 and 2012.” (Sean Hamill, “6th Legionnaires' victim ‘probably’ contracted disease at VA hospital,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/23/2014)

"The VA got back to ABC11 with a response to a request for an interview. The statement read, "VA takes seriously its obligation to properly safeguard any personal information within our possession. VA has in place a strong, multi-layered defense to combat evolving cyber security threats. The statement did not say anything about the report ABC11 was asking about." (Jon Camp, “Department of Veterans Affairs was warned privacy breach was practically unavoidable,” ABC Raleigh, 2/21/14)

“When I asked the first time, the VA offered no specifics. When I asked the next day, the VA told me to file a Freedom of Information Act request.” “Shortly before 1 p.m. Friday, I sent an email to the VA’s national press office asking whether the committee’s take on the information requests was accurate. Almost nine hours later, Iam still sitting at my desk, and nary a response.” (Howard Altman, “Altman: VA stalls on providing info on deaths, injuries,” Tampa Tribune, 2/9/2014)

“Today marks the 38th day since I asked the Dept. of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., for an on-the-record official…”“In VA’s case, it’s the height of arrogance – and a lack of responsiveness that is an insult to every veteran left waiting at Wilmington.”“It’s apparent that VAdoesn’t want to talk about this.” (Bill McMichael, “Want to know why Wilmington's VA compensation case backlog keeps growing? So would we,” Delaware Online, 1/24/2014)

“The VA did not comment for this story, preferring instead the focus be on their new memorial that opened on Veterans Day.” (Mike Synan, “Orlando VA Hospital to open in stages,” FOX Orlando, 11/18/2013)

"Despite the serious issues, the V.A.’s Chief of staff walked away when we tried to ask about the report."

"He refused to take any questions about the deaths at his facility and another report News Channel 3 uncovered showing V.A. Center Directors were getting bonuses in the millions at the same time their facilities were making deadly mistakes." (April Thompson, “Memphis V.A. Medical Center Responds To Patient Death Inspections,” CBS Memphis, 10/24/13)

“Late last week, the VA's undersecretary of health, Dr. Robert Petzel, was speaking at The National Press Club in Washington, a place specifically designed for open questioning by the press. After the speech, Petzel was asked what he had to say to vets who are concerned because the VA hospital continues to be run by those who presided over the outbreak.”

“The undersecretary just stared dully straight ahead and refused to acknowledge the question.”

“He continued to ignore another question from a Trib reporter about what he would say to veterans who admit they fear going to the VA for treatment because of its handling of the Legionella outbreak.”

“Petzel had just finished an hour-long speech, bragging about the VA's upgrades.”

“The top health official in the Department of Veterans Affairs ignored questions on Tuesday about a lethal Legionnaires' disease outbreak…”

“I have a meeting,” Dr. Robert Petzel, the VA's undersecretary of health, told a Tribune-Review reporter when approached with questions…”

“When the Trib reporter asked what he had to say to veterans concerned that the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System continues to be run by those who presided over the outbreak — and received tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses for their performance during that time — Petzel stared straight ahead and would not acknowledge the question. He did the same thing when asked what he would say to veterans who say they fear going to the VA for treatment because of the outbreak's handling.” (Mike Wereschagin and Luis Fábregas, “Top VA health official ignores questions about Pittsburgh deaths,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 7/30/2013)

“Weeks earlier, our sources told us about a previous investigation into the same allegations, but the VA has refused to tell us how it ended.”“So far, no one with the VA will say whether Garrett's reassignment has anything to do with the ongoing investigation. Diamant's phone calls to Garrett Wednesday were not returned.” (Aaron Diamant, “Atlanta VA Medical Center police chief reassigned,” ABC Atlanta, 7/3/2013)

“The VA declined a request for an interview with director Jeff Milligan. A spokesperson did not answer any questions in reference to employee complaints or current staffing levels. A spokesperson would not provide specifics about the criteria for the bonuses.” (Jason Allen, “I-Team: VA Workers Say Poor Conditions Led To Complaints,” CBS Dallas, 06/12/2013)

Reporter: "Why is the VA running spots on TV?"VA Spokesman Keith Gottschalk: "I can't talk about it. I'm not authorized to talk about the spots."Reporter: "There's criticism from the daughter of one of the Legionnaires’ victims about these spots. Is that a concern?"VA Spokesman Keith Gottschalk: "You know I understand that, we really understand that, we feel very deeply about that, but furthermore I really can't say anything guys.” (Paul Van Osdol, “Pittsburgh VA spending taxpayer money on TV ads,” ABC Pittsburgh, 5/23/2013)

“But the VA refused to provide any information when The Washington Examiner sought to determine how much the directors of failing regional offices have been paid in salaries and bonuses. The newspaper filed a Freedom of Information Act request more than a month ago and also requested the data through the VA media relations office. But VA would not even provide a staff list showing who are the regional directors and other high officials in those offices.” (Mark Flatten, “Washington Examiner got bonus data with no thanks to VA,” The Washington Examiner, 5/8/2013)

“Asked in a follow-up question why, then, there was a discrepancy when the CDC did its first count, Mr. Cowgilldeclined to comment.”

“The internal Pittsburgh VA document was later updated Nov. 14, noting that in the wake of the CDC investigation, that VA pledged to "enhance reporting mechanisms to infection prevention and to the national surveillance system. Mr. Cowgill would also not answer questions about why the VA pledged to do that.” (Sean Hamill, “Health watchdogs lacked Legionnaires' data for Pittsburgh VA hospital,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/10/2013)

“The Veterans Administrationwould not say if any of the patientsknown to have been sick with Legionnaires' disease at the hospital in Pittsburghhaddied, but it told the Allegheny County Health Department that one of them did, a health department spokesman said.”

“VA spokesman David Cowgillwould not agree to an interview. Instead, he released media advisories, one of which concluded: ‘VA is committed to providing safe facilities and quality care for veterans.’" (Nelli Black and Drew Griffin, “VA under scrutiny after Legionnaires' cases in Pittsburgh,” CNN, 12/14/2012)

“Pittsburgh VA spokesman David Cowgill refused to answer any questions about the allegations by Dr. Stout and Dr. Yu.”“Mr. Cowgill of the VA would not provide any specifics about why the VA believes the copper-silver ionization system failed or why it called Enrich this past summer.” (Sean Hamill, “5th case of Legionnaires' disease reported at VA hospital in Oakland,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/24/2012)

Today Chairman Jeff Miller released the following statement after Rep. Phil Roe was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman for the 115th Congress.